himself but wishes to give his host time to recognise him.

The prince remembered the newcomer very well. The closely-buttoned
frock-coat showed the man's imposing figure to greater advantage
than the dress in which Saracinesca had last seen him, but there
was no mistaking the personality. There was the same lean but
massive face, broadened by the high cheekbones and the prominent
square jaw; there were the same piercing black eyes, set near
together under eyebrows that met in the midst of the forehead, the
same thin and cruel lips, and the same strongly-marked nose, set
broadly on at the nostrils, though pointed and keen. Had the
prince had any doubts as to his visitor's identity they would have
been dispelled by the man's great height and immense breadth of
shoulder, which would have made it hard indeed for him to disguise
himself had he wished to do so. But though very much surprised,
Saracinesca had no doubts whatever. The only points that were new
to him in the figure before him were the outward manner and
appearance, and the dress of a gentleman.

"I trust I am not disturbing you, prince?" The words were spoken
in a deep, clear voice, and with a notable southern accent.

"Not at all. I confess I am astonished at seeing you in Rome. Is
there anything I can do for you? I shall always be grateful to you
for having been alive to testify to the falsehood of that
accusation made against my son. Pray sit down. How is your
Signora? And the children? All well, I hope?"

"My wife is dead," returned the other, and the grave tones of his
bass voice lent solemnity to the simple statement.